OC Mom of 2 amazing kids & 2 furbabies! Inspired to keep positive, cook, travel, be adventurous & have fun doing it all.
I love to keep up with and share all activities, Autism friendly, educational and social things to do in OC & beyond. So let's get OnTheGo !

Including Snowfall as Part of “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”

and Festive “Grinchmas” Who-lebrations

As last minute shoppers begin searching for perfect Christmas presents, Universal Studios Hollywood is helping to take the guesswork out by assembling a list of some popular gift giving items and stocking stuffers from such fan favorites as The Grinch, Harry Potter, Minions, Jurassic Park and Hello Kitty and friends.

Here’s a short list of some fun, inspirational items.

For the naughty on the list, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures’ Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch movie takes center stage with an assortment of fun must-haves, including green faux-fur adorned hats, gloves and scarves as well as pajamas.

Magic is always in the air during the holidays, making treasures and treats from “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” some of the best gifts. From bespoke Christmas ornaments inspired by the Wizarding World to Honeydukes one-of-a-kind sweets, there is something for every Harry Potter fan this season. Other spellbinding collectibles that are sure to top any witch or wizard’s wish list include decorative Hogwarts castle snow globes, the Hogwarts crest and mascot ornaments representing each of the houses, as well as a collection of unique tree toppers and house pennant garland.

This year, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is also introducing specialty gift wrapping that is inspired by packages delivered by the Owl Post in the Harry Potter film series.

A visit to the shops adjacent to the “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” ride and Super Silly Fun Land as well as the all-new Animation Studio Store offer a chockfull of Minions in an array of shapes and sizes as well Agnes’s all-time favorite, the fluffy Unicorn, available in a variety of huggable plush toys to wearable backpacks for back-to-school fun. For the more mischievous on the list, the iconic Zapper and Fart toys will make lasting memorable gifts.

The Animation Studio Store is also home to Hello Kitty with a variety of themed merchandise primed for holiday gift giving and stocking stuffers.

While the Jurassic era may have spanned time, millions of years ago, guests can keep the giant T. rex dinosaurs close at heart with popular Jurassic Park and Jurassic World t-shirts and hoodies, both in homage to the theme park’s iconic “Jurassic Park” thrill ride which closed earlier this year and in anticipation of its newest edition, the “Jurassic World” ride, opening in 2019.

For those on the list who have been extra good, an Annual Pass to Universal Studios Hollywood is the ultimate gift. For limitless fun all year long, along with a variety of discounts and perks to the theme park and CityWalk, a Platinum, Gold or Silver Annual Pass will make 2019 shine daily for friends and family.

Last minute shopping made easy at Universal Studios Hollywood is complemented by the theme park’s annual holiday programs, including nightly snowfall during “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” plus the spectacular dazzling light projection transformation of HogwartsTMcastle through “The Magic of Christmas at HogwartsTM Castle.” “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” takes place daily through January 6, 2019.

“Grinchmas™” at Universal Studios Hollywoodfeatures a Who-lebration of fun fit for The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos. The annual event comes to life with a towering 60- foot tall whimsical “Grinchmas” tree where Martha May Who-vier and the Who Dolls take center stage performing energetic musical sets as they usher in the Christmas season in style, along with the Who-liday Singers—a hip boy-band ensemble—who perform a cappella concerts showcasing a mix of Christmas favorites and pop rock.

“Grinchmas” takes place daily from December 14 through December 30, 2018.

Spirited holiday décor and festive whimsy permeates throughout the theme park, including “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and the adjoining “Super Silly Fun Land” as a crew of very merry and mischievous Minions gleefully spread Christmas cheer to visitors of all ages.

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream, skating into the Southland this holiday season from December 13th – January 6th!

Spend Holidays with the Family at Disney on Ice with their new show Dare to Dream!

Perfect for a last minute gift or surprise for Hanukkah or Christmas morning. There are many locations in SoCal to select from and also into the new year too.

Featuring Disney’s Moana for the first time in a live production, hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bring the Disney magic to life and take audiences on an expedition across raging seas and snow-covered mountains in this action-packed extravaganza with the beloved characters from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Tangled and Cinderella.

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Thanks to Disney on Ice for the opportunity to provide our honest feedback and tips. All Photos are courtesy of Disney On Ice.

Have you been to Disney On Ice before?

A magical experience on ICE - our family loves it.

I still remember the first Disney On Ice performance I saw at the Honda Center in 2001. I attended with my mom. We loved watching Beauty and the Beast on Ice. It was a memory I will never forget.

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Since then I have had kids of my own and love to celebrate all things Disney with them. My parents used to take us to as many events as they could to spend time as a family and enjoy something different. I too feel that I want to do the same with my family.

Monday, December 3, 2018

We love movies!!! So many good movies out for 2018 but we wanted to give you our top 5 must have DVD or Blu-Ray Movies for family movie night.

Our family really enjoys going to the movies but when it comes to our family time we love it a great flick & cuddle session.

2018 brought us some amazing flicks!

Here is s list of our family favorites and must haves that are perfect for Holiday Gifts plus a giveaway...

Top 5 Family Movies for Holiday Gifts

* SMALLFOOT- We love it!! So cute and you see the flip side of things when the perspective of the Yeti are seen through their eyes but walking through our Small Feet. SMALLFOOT will be released on DVD + Blu-ray on December 11th. See below for a giveaway.

* Incredibles 2 - They're back in an all new action packed family fun film. Who will be Edna's favorite of the family? We had fun with this one.

* Teen Titans Go (to the movies) - Since Teen Titans is multi generation viewing in our house we were totally glued to the screen with this one. Will it end all super hero movies? Does Robin make a stance?

* Ralph Breaks The Internet - A family favorite, so much so that we've had themed birthdays, Ralph Breaks The Internet is awesome. So funny & well thought out to bring where we left off with Wreck it Ralph to the present.

* A Wrinkle In Time - All ages in our home loved A Wrinkle in Time. Having read the book I was excited to see how my kids would think the movie transformed the magic into the movie. We loved it. Suspense, action, family, choices and so much more that kept us on the edge of our seats.

As a special Holiday treat we partnered with SMALLFOOT movie & Warner Bros. Pictures and are doing a pretty chill giveaway... enter below for your chance to win a copy of the movie!

An animated adventure for all ages, with fun new music by Zendaya & Common and featuring an all-star cast, “Smallfoot” turns the Bigfoot legend upside down when a bright young Yeti (Channing Tatum) finds something he thought didn’t exist—a human! News of the “smallfoot,” Percy (James Corden), throws the simple Yeti community into an uproar over what else might be out there in the big world beyond their snowy village. This is an epic story about friendship and courage! #SmallfootMovie

Saturday, December 1, 2018

The New Redesigned 2019 Acura RDX - An Ex Car Club Girls Dream

Acura RDX for the win. I had so much fun with this SUV that seats 5...

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Thanks to Acura, A Girl's Guide To Cars and Visit Greater Palm Springs I was given the opportunity to test drive this fierce beauty for 3 hours. All opinions are my own.

Acura has outdone themselves with this redesign of the RDX. I have always been a fan. The sleek exterior, plenty of space for family and cargo plus our old girl (our 14yo pup), premium sound, extremely comfy interior and more.

But... they added more & continued to the extreme this year with additions like my favorites...

Panoramic Moon Roof - my kids would love this, who al I kidding, I loved it. I can see us stargazing on a drive by the beach or up to our local mountain favorite, Idyllwild.

Staying in sync with true touchpad interface - technology is amazing and with a few touches literally at your fingertips. Easy to use and navigate.

Premium Theater Sound system - the music lover in me is happy about this. The sound was amazing and really surrounded the in interior with beats and jams I rocked out to. Powerful.

8 different colors - bright, shiny, bold or classy, all the colors offered are appealing and unique with style.

The super handling was tight and we took turns like a champ with the RDX all when drive. I was able to be the driver for about an hour and a half around beautiful Greater Palm Springs area. I was also able to enjoy being passenger for about that same amount of time.

Acura has another RDX option "for those that like to live life at fast-forward. The All-New Acura RDX offers a 10-speed automatic transmission for crisp acceleration, a standard turbocharged engine and the next generation of available SH-AWD® for owning every corner. Now every move is a power move."

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I can't really explain how much that statement makes me smile. I am an ex car club girl turned soccer mom. I love control, organization, music, space for carpools and drive power. You never know when you will need to put the pedal to the medal to avoid an accident at the same time the technology for the brakes brings safety first.

I really fell in love with the RDX more so than I liked it before. Getting behind the wheel of this classy powerful spacious.. I could go on... SUV made me feel safe too.

I wanted more info on pricing so here is a brief breakdown for you too....

MSRP: From $37,300

Dimensions: 187″ L x 75″ W x 66″ H

MPG: Up to 22 city / 28 highway

Cargo volume: 29.5 ft³, 58.9 ft³ with seat area

Horsepower: 272 hp

Base price is $37k

Advance Package AWD $47k

I am really going to look into the Acura RDX next time we are looking at a new car. There are specials pricing options going on all the time.

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Get more information on the Acura RDX and more models here. Follow along on social media too with #Acura & #AGirlsGuideToCars .

Contest rules: Entries must be completed by 11:59PM Pacific December 31st, 2018. No purchase necessary; contest open only to US residents 18 years old or older and subject to the laws of the state of California. Winner will be chosen by random drawing from qualified entires and verified by A Girls Guide to Cars; winner will be notified by email no later than January 7th, 2019. Prize will be delivered by USPS to a valid US address; prizes cannot be shipped to a P.O. box. Winners may be asked to provide identification to receive their prize. Prize valued at $1,200, not exchangeable for cash or other items. Prize is limited to one (1) night accommodations at Miramonte Resort, Indian Wells, CA with date of accommodation subject to approval by Miramonte management; one (1) breakfast for two at Miramonte Resort; one (1) half day driving instruction and hot lap package for one person at BMW Performance Center West, Thermal, CA. Travel and additional accommodations are the responsibility of the winner. Contest is administered by and prizes awarded by A Girls Guide to Cars, which assumes no liability for the administration of this contest. Miramonte Indian Wells Resort, BMW Performance Center, Visit Greater Palm Springs Area, and all other event partners assume no responsibility or liability for the administration of this contest. A total of 1 grand prize will be awarded.﻿